Non-Invasive Surgery to Treat Heartburn

Posted: Sep 03 in Surgical Treatment by Staff

Nissen fundoplication is the leading surgical treatment for heartburn. It is incisionless and non-invasive, providing patients with another option to alleviate their pain.
If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, the only way to experience full reprieve from the constant heartburn and acid reflux is by undergoing surgical repair of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The small valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus is to blame for many bouts of reflux and indigestion. If the valve is not working correctly, acid will backwash up through the esophagus and irritate the esophageal tissue.
The effects of heartburn are often felt after eating a meal that is rich in ingredients that are high in acid content such as tomatoes and citrus fruits, but can also be caused by caffeine found in coffee, tea and soda.
Treating Heartburn with Surgery
Options available to those who suffer from heartburn can range from lifestyle changes such as avoiding late night meals and foods that trigger heartburn, to conservative pharmaceutical therapy or invasive reconstructive surgery called fundoplication. Fundoplication involves surgery either through the chest or abdomen to reconstruct the upper portion of the stomach so that it wraps around the esophagus adding muscular support to the lower esophageal sphincter. Traditional fundoplication surgery can involve a recovery time of two to three weeks, but incisionless fundoplication offers a much faster recovery period.
In May 2011, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent to Endogastric Solutions for their Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure which employs a device called EsophyX. This procedure has revolutionized the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) by eliminating the need for invasive surgery for over fourteen million people.
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication is a procedure in which the surgeon can place the EsophyX device at the gastroesophageal junction by inserting it through the mouth. Once the device is placed it grasps a portion at the top of the stomach called the fundus into a tissue mold. The layers of the fundus are then fastened together to construct a new junction at the area of the lower esophageal sphincter. The EsophyX also includes a suction device that can treat a hiatal hernia or stabilize the esophagus.
As a leader in minimally and non-invasive surgical procedures, Dr. Bagnato was among the first to embrace this new type of GERD treatment and has completed the operation for many Macon residents in need of heartburn and acid reflux relief.